Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Periodontal Diseases Among First-Year Undergraduates of Different Faculties of Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth University
Authors
Bhavana Jadhav
Periodontology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, IND
Siddhartha Varma
Periodontology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, IND
Girish Suragimath
Periodontology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, IND
Sameer Zope
Periodontology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, IND
Apurva Kale
Periodontology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, IND
Introduction
Periodontal diseases, encompassing gingivitis and periodontitis, are prevalent and complex conditions with significant implications for overall health, particularly in India. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding periodontal diseases among first-year undergraduate students across various faculties at Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Karad.
Methods
A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 200 students from the medical, dental, physiotherapy, pharmacy, and nursing faculties. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-squared test were utilized for data analysis.
Results
They revealed suboptimal oral hygiene practices among participants, with only 30% reporting twice-daily tooth cleaning. Additionally, less than half of the participants used soft toothbrushes and fluoridated toothpaste. Notably, 40% had never visited a dentist. While 86% recognized the correlation between gum and systemic health, significant proportions had experienced symptoms of gum disease. Dental first-year undergraduate students have a better understanding, attitude, and practices toward periodontal diseases, while nursing first-year undergraduate students displayed the lowest KAP scores compared to other faculties.
Conclusion
The first-year dental students demonstrated a better understanding, attitude, and behavior towards periodontal diseases compared to students in other faculties. Our study emphasizes the necessity of incorporating oral and periodontal health education into both healthcare professional curricula and those of higher secondary school students. Such educational programs will empower individuals to enhance their oral and systemic health. Moreover, equipping medical and paramedical practitioners with proper knowledge of periodontal health will ultimately lead to improved oral health outcomes for the general population.
Keywords: physiotherapy, pharmacy, periodontal disease, nursing, medical, first-year undergraduates, dental
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